What to Expect
Thinking about joining our program? You choose your track and proceed at your own pace. That’s how you determine what to expect.
How long does it take to complete the MS RSHP program — how many semesters?
The MS in Rehabilitation Sciences and Healthspan Promotion (formerly named MS in Healthspan Promotion and Rehabilitation) is a self-paced program, but at most it would be full-time. The whole program is generally completed in 2 years and there are no summer classes. (You could be doing independent work during the summer, however.) It depends on your track and your pace to calculate the course load per semester.
How many credit hours per semester?
Students usually take 11-14 credits per semester. Much depends on whether or not you choose to register for research credits during the summer semesters. Courses are not available over the summer term. Your track and your pace are the deciding factors.
Choose one of three tracks:
Thesis
In the thesis track, you’re required to take 14 hours in PT 598 in addition to 10 hours of elective courses.
- Coursework: 22 credit hours
- Thesis: 14 credit hours
- Total: 36 credit hours
Project
In the project track, you’re required to take 9 hours of PT 597 in addition to 15 hours of elective courses.
- Coursework: 27 credit hours
- Project: 9 credit hours
- Total: 36 credit hours
Coursework-only
In the coursework-only track, you’re required to take 27 hours of elective courses.
- Coursework: 39 credit hours
- Total: 39 credit hours
Required Exam
The written comprehensive examination requirement assures that you have command of the body of knowledge expected of a graduate of the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences and Healthspan Promotion program.
The comprehensive examination will be waived if you obtain an average grade of B or better in the core courses PT 505 and PT 506.
Courses Heading link
Explore the each semester schedule — including courses, activities, and opportunities — by clicking through the tabs below
Electives
The number of hours and choice of electives will vary according to the program option chosen and will be guided by student’s area of interest in consultation with the advisor (e.g., PT 503, PT 510, and PT 562).
Students may also use their electives hours to take courses within specializations – areas of study within the discipline – identified by faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy (e.g., healthy living, rehabilitation sciences). Consult with the advisor for lists of specialization courses.
Elective courses can also be taken from the Healthy Living PractionerTM Certificate, or from the Technology-Based Health Communications and Promotion Certificate.
Electives
| Fall semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| PT 504 | Assessment Developmental Processes in Infancy | 2 hours |
| PT 533 | Neuromuscular Dysfunction I | 5 hours |
| PT 496 | Health and Wellness Academy | 3 hours |
| PT 571 | Biomechanics of Normal and Abnormal Movement | 3 hours |
| PT 573 | Instrumentation for Rehabilitation Sciences Research | 3 hours |
| PT 595 | Seminar in Rehabilitation Sciences | 1 hour |
Electives
| Spring semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| PT 496 | Health and Wellness Academy | 3 hours |
| PT 503 | Analysis of Motor Development | 3 hours |
| PT 510 | Control of Posture and Locomotion | 2 hours |
| PT 529 | Science in Practice Seminar I | 3 hours |
| PT 534 | Neuromuscular Dysfunction II | 5 hours |
| PT 550 | Teaching: Approaches and Strategies | 2 hours |
| PT 595 | Seminar in Rehabilitation Sciences | 1 hour |
| PT 562 | Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation | 2 hours |
| PT 563 | Research Methods in Rehabilitation Sciences | 3 hours |